Sherrod Martin

The things that stuck out to me were my age and my body. It first started when I tore my ACL in a contract year. I didn't know if I was going to get to play again. I was injured with four games left, and I quickly realized nobody was going to sign me hurt. It was an eye-opener. I could feel I had one foot in and one foot out. I was able to prepare for that moment to come and gave myself one full year of training. If I didn't get a phone call or an opportunity during that full year, I decided I was going to retire.

The feeling of not knowing if I’d play again ultimately allowed me to start putting things in position for my future. I used to be a barber, and I learned how to cut in high school. I took those skills to college to have money for food and gas. When I got drafted, I stopped cutting. I always wanted to get my barber license. I should have never put it on the back burner. After tearing my ACL, I decided I could stress myself out sitting around, training, waiting on a phone call or I could say, ‘no way,’ and see it as a great time to dive in, get my barber license and be prepared.

I was thinking about barbering and finally going to barber school when I ended up getting signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars. I went there early in the summer to work out and train with the team’s trainers. I wanted to enroll in barber school in Jacksonville, but the logistics of the location of the school, the facility and where I was staying were too much. After signing a one-year deal with the Jaguars, I ended up getting cut and brought back around week four.

As soon as the season was over, I jumped into barber school in Atlanta, GA. I communicated with the school about the possibility of a job opportunity coming from an NFL team. I asked if I were to leave for that, would I be able to pick up where I left off with barber school. They said yes, I got a call from the Chicago Bears inviting me to training camp, and I dropped out of school. The difference this time, I never put my clippers down. I was cutting in the dorms during training camp, and I started to build my brand again.

Growing up, I wanted to be a barber. At an early age, I was in the art. When I got my first pair of clippers, the haircut was like a blank canvas where you could create your own masterpiece. Because of that, I knew eventually I wanted to have my own barber shop. I knew I wanted to build this brand and be the ‘football barber.’ The guy who could relate to you not only on the field but off the field. Everything came together. The only thing I had to figure out was what I wanted my brand to reflect.

I opened Superb Grooming Studio in Atlanta, Georgia. Everything superb is the standard. We strive for greatness and do the best we can every day. We offer full men’s grooming, women’s cuts, kid’s haircuts, hot steam razor shaves, hair color, designs, etc. It’s a premiere, full-service barbershop.

The NFL teaches you about being a professional. There is so much discipline and focus that goes into each week, you are striving to be the best you can be. Same as a business owner, those skills from the football field carry over. At Superb Grooming, it’s a team environment. It’s the locker room outside of the locker room, not just for active or retired players, but also for the barbers. It’s our place where we work together. You look good, you play good. You look good, you cut good. You cut good, your clients will feel superb. They’ll get the confidence they need. It’s an energy thing and we all feed off each other.

I have a saying, ‘for two weeks, a client either loves the decision they made to come and get in your chair or they hate their barber for those two weeks.’ I love when they leave saying they were glad they came in.

I love using the platform to reach people. A lot of kids come in, and we get to talk about chasing dreams and how they can do anything they put their mind to. Kids want to be athletes, but I tell them they can do it all. I had a dream of becoming an NFL player, but I didn’t just stop there. I had a dream of being a barber and a barbershop owner, it hasn’t stopped there either. We’re always changing and growing. The sky is the limit. It’s special having those moments when they’re in my barber chair. It’s not only about getting a great haircut and feeling good about yourself. Sometimes I’m more than just a barber, I’m an uncle, a cousin, a brother a friend, a business partner, a business mentor, etc. I learn stuff from people who come and sit in my chair, too. It’s a domino effect, and you become a pillar in the community.

Don’t overlook anything. Start with whatever you love to do and see how you can make it work for you. Not everyone will understand it. It can be something someone else does, or it can be totally outside the box. Do you and do what makes you happy.

A lot of times, when players retire, we do whatever can make us the most money equal or equivalent to NFL money. At the end of the day, the money will come. It’s no different than plays on the field. As long as you stay consistent and stay ready, those plays will come to you. Don’t worry about the dollar signs. If you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.

I was able to bring my barber service to the former players at The Trust’s Super Bowl Locker Room Lounge. The response I got from the players was amazing. I believe anytime there’s a room full of men, there’s an opportunity for grooming. Being a barber and a player myself, it’s a totally different vibe. There’s almost a peace of mind for a player sitting in my chair. Players open up about things they don’t normally open up about. It’s a safe place.

The Trust is a community and what links everyone together. You can’t know everybody, because you don’t play with everybody. The Trust helps you meet people who are in the same situation or can relate to you. You can’t talk to just anyone, because they don’t understand the NFL lifestyle. The Trust gives you unity and comradery amongst other players so you’re able to network, build relationships, get advice, give advice, etc. We feed off each other, so it’s a way to stay connected.

The Trust is a family. They’ve given me opportunities and helped me expand my brand. They’ve allowed me to continue what I’ve already been building and helped me grow my platform. As a former player, they’ve provided a way to stay connected with other former players.